Population growth data shows Mitchell Shire is the place to be

Mitchell Shire is welcoming the equivalent of a classroom of new residents each week, latest Australian Bureau of Statistics population data shows.

The data released last week showed Mitchell Shire was the state’s fastest growing regional municipality from 2015 to 2016.

In that time, the Shire’s population grew by 3.2 per cent or 1265 people, equating to about 25 new residents calling Mitchell home each week.

Mitchell Shire’s population grew at a similar rate to other major growth areas of Melbourne including Wyndham (5.7 per cent), Cardinia (5.5 per cent), Whittlesea (4.7 per cent), Melton (4.4 per cent) and Casey (3.8 per cent).

The municipality’s population grew well above the next top regional municipalities of Baw Baw (2.5 per cent), Moorabool (2.5 per cent), Bass Coast (2.4 per cent) and Golden Plains (2.3 per cent).

According to the data, Mitchell Shire’s population has grown from 30,723 in 2006 to 40,595 in 2016.

In the last financial year alone, there were 300 new homes built and 500 new babies welcomed to the Shire.

While growth is largely happening in the south of the Shire, towns such as Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour are also experiencing rising population numbers.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Rhonda Sanderson said while growth posed its challenges, Council was well placed to cater for it.

“Council is working hard to ensure we are best placed to manage the significant growth in our Shire,” Cr Sanderson said.

“A key to this is collaboration and partnerships. We will continue to forge strong relationships with Governments and other agencies to advocate on behalf of our community to improve things such as roads and public transport, education, health and recreation facilities.

“Consulting with our community is also vital. Consultation processes such as the recent Council Plan will help us steer the municipality in the right direction into the future, by working to deliver the things our community wants and needs.”

Cr Sanderson said there were many factors that made Mitchell Shire such a desirable place to live.

“Mitchell Shire really is on Melbourne’s doorstep. We’re just a short commute into the CBD, we have affordable housing and a wonderful mix of rural, semi-rural and urban living,” Cr Sanderson said.

“People are attracted to the Mitchell Shire lifestyle. We have the best of both worlds.”